I love making this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta when I want something cozy, rich, and incredibly easy with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in one pot, allowing the pasta to soak up all the garlicky, creamy goodness, and the result is a comforting dish that always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s simple, fast, and full of flavor. I enjoy how the garlic infuses the sauce as the pasta cooks, creating a creamy texture without extra steps. It’s perfect for busy nights when I want a satisfying meal without standing in the kitchen too long.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 ounces pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups milk
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
I start by adding the pasta, butter, olive oil, garlic, milk, and broth to a large pot. I place it over medium heat and bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring often so the pasta doesn’t stick.
As the pasta cooks, I continue stirring until it becomes tender and the liquid reduces into a creamy sauce. This usually takes about 12–15 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, I lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. I mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. I remove it from the heat and finish with fresh parsley.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. When I want more protein, I stir in grilled chicken or shrimp at the end. I also enjoy using half-and-half instead of milk for a richer sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pasta?
I use short pasta like penne or rotini most often, but spaghetti works too.
Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
I notice it thickens slightly, which is why I add a splash of liquid when reheating.
Can I make this pasta dairy-free?
I replace the milk with plant-based milk and use dairy-free cheese when needed.
Does garlic overpower the dish?
I find it flavorful but balanced, and I adjust the amount of garlic to taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I prefer it fresh, but leftovers reheat well with extra liquid.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta because it’s comforting, quick, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those effortless recipes that delivers creamy, satisfying results every time with hardly any cleanup.
Print
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a rich, comforting dish where the pasta cooks right in the garlicky sauce, absorbing flavor and creating a silky, creamy texture—all with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine pasta, butter, olive oil, garlic, milk, and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for 12–15 minutes, until pasta is tender and the liquid reduces into a creamy sauce.
- Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Remove from heat and finish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
- Swap milk for half-and-half for a richer sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
